Canoes at Chanco on the James

Sailboats at Chanco on the James

Two Kids Enjoying Summer

Ziplining at Chanco on the James

Though Richmond weather may still be a bit on the cold side, believe it or not, it's time to start thinking about summer camp registration. Camp experiences can build confidence, new skills and countless fun memories. But, which one is right for your child?

Consider your children’s hobbies, age and maturity level when making your decision. Are they comfortable being away from home overnight? Are they passionate about robotics and building with LEGOs? Does soccer make them bounce with excitement?

Virginia offers many camp options, ranging from special interests to overnight or sleep-away camps. We’ve got the scoop on some local favorites.

Camp Friendship is a Virginia residential summer camp nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on 520 acres of rolling hills and scenic woods. For boys and girls, ages 7-16, Camp Friendship prides itself on helping children increase self-esteem, form new friendships, gain social competence, and learn to work as part of a team. Summer activities and year round programs range from equestrian camps, sports clinics and field trips to teen camps.

Located in Surry County, Chanco on the James is surrounded by wildlife along the James River. For more than 40 years, Camp Chanco has been providing successful residential camping programs for children 8-16. Campers stay in rustic cabins in the woods, reminiscent of the classic summer camp movie “Parent Trap”, and enjoy swimming, kayaking, sailing, zip lines, archery, arts and crafts, off-site trips and more.

In nearby Mechanicsville, Camp Hanover offers a sleep-away camping experience close to home and serves children from grades two to 12. Outdoor living activities encourage campers to explore, grow and interact with their peers.

Nestled near the beautiful Piankatank River in Hartfield, Virginia, Camp Piankatank has long been a Virginia favorite among campers ages 10-17. The camp offers over-night, week-long camps sessions, as well as weekend retreats and day camps throughout the summer. Campers have a number of different programs to choose from including the popular Amazing Adventures track, where they receive "a taste of everything," or a variety of specialty tracks, where they can focus on activities like horseback riding and sailing.

If your child isn’t comfortable being away from home, a local day camp may be the perfect introduction, and can be paired with your child’s particular interest or needs.

For example, the Children’s Museum of Richmond offers activities geared to young children, from art and music to active play, while CORE Kids Academy specializes in gymnastics. Collegiate School’s Summer Quest program offers more than 100 different camps and classes for pre-schoolers to adults in one to five week sessions that include single-day, half-day and full-day options. New to the program this year is a transportation program for Chesterfield County residents and workers, with buses for campers running from the Collegiate School Aquatic Center. Richmond’s Flying Squirrels offer baseball camps for both beginners and advanced players, and the camp fee includes four game tickets, a gift, and an autograph session. Maymont also offers outdoor summer camps on the grounds of the beautiful park. Camps include encounters with animals, outdoor adventures, games, crafts and more. For children with disabilities, Camp Easter Sealsgives kids the opportunity to be active and make friends in a supportive environment.

In addition to these listings, explore camps and activities through your county’s parks and recreation department. Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico hold a variety of programs throughout the summer for preschoolers to teens. Programming includes sports, arts and crafts, outdoor adventure and more. Whatever your children’s interest, there is sure to be a camp in the area to fuel their passion.